History of Frigento
Un po’ di Storia
The commune of Frigento, from its 911 meter altitude, dominates the famous Ansanto valley, claiming a glorious past that connects numerous testimonials of notable historic interest, archeological and artistic, reminding us of its ancient Roman origins. Also the name, in fact derives from Latin “Frequentia”. A must for tourist is the temple of “Dea Mefite” that has had as some of its more illustrious visitors, Cicero and Virgil.
During the occupation by the Longobards, Frigento was part of the Duchy of Benevento. Frigento was destroyed in 926 by the invasion of the Saracens. The city was carefully rebuilt but after only 60 years the center was nearly destroyed by a violent earthquake. The strong dedication of the Frigentini (prevailed) however and the town was rebuilt to its original level, as if it had never been visited by this tragic event.
The hills of Frigento were chosen by the Longobards because of the enviable military position (on three hills) for military reasons of defense and control. Its strategic position midway between Benevento and Conza, made Frigento very important during the time of the division of the Duchy, when the princesses of Benevento and of Salerno, who were administrators to the king of Conza, divided the territory.
In those days there were no definite boundary lines, the boundary was marked by rocks, castles and watch towers. The Longobards usually adorned their buildings with stones taken from towns already abandoned. In that way much of the architecture of the city, for example the apse of San Marciano visibility characterizes this trait.
In the center of the apse there is however the inscription related to the institution of the first Frigentini Bishop. The first Bishop, San Marciano consecrated by the Great Leone the First, served during the 5th century from 440 to 461. After San Marciano there was a strange ascendance of Bishops for the next 6 centuries until Bishop Engellino, nominated because of a present of an effective donation in 1082 from Count Ruggiero in favor of the monastery of S.S. Trinita di Venosa.
Through the years Frigento has endured the strong shocks of numerous earthquakes like that of 1980 that brought about new damage to its buildings and structures, but like in the past in its story, Frigento will always repair its damage to return strongly to its antique splendor.
Architecture, Archeological and Monuments
The numerous common alterations as seen in Frigento are testimony to the many historical archeological and architectural sites. One of the first recorded is the Cathedral, which is possible to visit daily from 10:00 AM to 12 noon, and underneath the Cathedral it is also possible to descend gradually to the site of an old temple from the Roman era, which is called “The Cisterne Romana”, which is also possible to visit daily from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Recently it in the Pila ai Piani area an imposing villa was also discovered dating to the Roman era.
For what its worth of all the architectural styles they had, all point to “il Duomo”. It was built upon the ruins of a pagan temple, in about the 4th century AD, in the Roman style. The Church was built with a magnificent ceiling, with a painting from 1764 and other paintings done at different times.
The building is large, majestic, and with duplicate rows of columns made of precious marble. In the interior there is an impressive main alter, a golden throne for the Bishop, and a wooden pulpit made of walnut. On the side of the Cathedral is a weathered tower built in the Longobard style. In the center of the tower are a large clock and a hanging bell. The tower is constructed of white stones, the work of Cavaliere, A. Curci of Naples. The tower was built in a technique matching the style of that era, and was built using the stones provided by the Roman ruins.
Another site of particular interest is “The temple of the god Mefite”. The area was believed to be the sacred zone of the Mefite. A large area within the center of the temple was dedicated to the goddess, and around it a space reserved as a burial site. Legend has it that here Proserpina was abducted by the god Pluto.
Among the others you should finally recognize is the church of Saint Rocco, built in the lower section of the city, and is the church of the Patron Saint of Frigento. The church has a half bust statue of the saint, of solid silver and covered with ex votos in gold and precious stones.
Festivals
The traditions at Frigento are testimony of a population that possesses a grand culture that tends to survive, because all of the past generations preserved and hand down the numerous folklore and religious festivals that are presented every year with extreme accuracy. Of the many festivals the most significant is the celebration of the “Mysteries”. The festival takes place during Easter week and represents a splendid union of folklore and religious spirit that obtains a festival full of national heritage.